📝 NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026: Phase 1, Phase 2, Psychometric, Interview
Latest NABARD Grade A pattern explained with official structure: qualifying vs merit sections, marks, duration, negative marking, calling ratio, and final selection logic.
Quick Answer
NABARD Grade A for General/RDBS follows: Phase 1 (objective) -> Phase 2 (objective + descriptive) -> Psychometric (mandatory) -> Interview.
Phase 1 Pattern (Prelims)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | Qualifying |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
| Decision Making | 10 | 10 | Qualifying |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | Merit |
| Economic & Social Issues | 40 | 40 | Merit |
| Agriculture & Rural Development | 40 | 40 | Merit |
| Total | 200 | 200 | — |
Key Rules
- Composite time: 120 minutes.
- Negative marking: 1/4th mark deduction per wrong answer.
- Merit shortlisting for Phase 2 is based on merit section performance.
- Cut-offs are applied on individual tests and total score.
Phase 2 Pattern (Mains)
| Paper | Format | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: General English | Descriptive (typed) | 100 | 90 min |
| Paper 2: ESI + ARD | Objective (30 Q, 50 marks) + Descriptive (50 marks) | 100 | 120 min |
| Total | — | 200 | — |
Paper 2 descriptive pattern in recent notification:
- 6 descriptive questions asked,
- attempt 4 (2 x 15 marks and 2 x 10 marks).
Psychometric and Interview
- Psychometric test: mandatory, MCQ-based, 90 minutes (as per latest notice format).
- Interview: 50 marks.
- Final selection for RDBS/Legal is based on Phase 2 + Interview, with tie-break rules defined in the official notice.
Tie-Break Rule (Important but Often Missed)
If total marks are equal at final stage, recent notification logic gives preference in this order:
- higher marks in Main Examination,
- higher qualification / higher graduation marks (as applicable),
- senior age.
Calling Ratio Insight
Recent official notice states maximum calling ratios of:
- up to 1:25 for mains,
- up to 1:3 for interview.
This is why Phase 1 filtering and Phase 2 depth both matter.
What This Means for Preparation
- Keep qualifying sections at safe level, but do not over-allocate time.
- Build GA + ESI + ARD as rank-driving blocks.
- Start descriptive writing before prelims.
- Track official notice every cycle for structural changes.
FAQs
Are Phase 1 marks added to final merit in NABARD Grade A?
For recent RDBS/Legal pattern, final ranking is based on Phase 2 and interview, while Phase 1 is a screening stage.
Is there negative marking in NABARD Grade A?
Yes. 1/4th mark is deducted for each wrong answer in objective tests.
Is psychometric test compulsory?
Yes, recent notifications show it as mandatory before final interview-stage progression.
Can I attempt NABARD Grade A papers in Hindi?
Candidates can answer as per language options allowed in official pattern; English Language test remains English-only.
Next Step
Read Detailed Syllabus and map this pattern to weekly targets.